This Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe is hands down the best cheese ball appetizer I have ever served! Everyone’s favorite ingredients rolled into one tidy package. Bring the recipe, because they’ll ask.
Who Can Resist A Cheese Ball Recipe With Bacon?
I haven’t made a cheese ball in years! But when I saw Lisa’s creation over at Homesick Texan, I knew the hiatus was over and this had to be included somewhere in my Holiday Menus. I decided to make this part of my contribution for a Christmas Day Dinner at our friend’s Greg and Cauleen’s. It was an overwhelming hit.
The only thing that made it home was a shiny clean plate and spreader.
A Tex-Mex Twist
In true Lisa Fain style, she takes a traditional cheese ball recipe and turns it into a wonderful Southwestern treat. This is not your run of the mill cheese ball. Cream cheese and shredded cheddar, kicked up with diced jalapenos, savory with bits of bacon, spiced with cumin and cilantro and finished with a squeeze of lime and you’ve got yourself a Texas sized winner. You must give it a try.
Add Your Own Signature
The only thing I did different was sprinkle the finished product with Aleppo pepper flakes. That’s what you see scattered on the plate in the photos. Aleppo pepper flakes are Mediterranean in origin and bring a moderate heat level with some fruity and mild undertones. Its flavor is similar to the ancho, but oilier and slightly salty. I’m in love with Aleppo these days and seem to sprinkle it on about everything. The only place I can find it is our local spice shop. Savory Spice. If you’ve got a specialty spice shop near you, look for it and give it a try.
And make it your own by adding your signature ingredient. Maybe a sprinkle of New Mexico Red Chile Powder? Paprika? It’s always fun to get creative.
Jalapeno Bacon Cheeseball Recipe
I hope you give this Bacon Cheese-Ball Recipe recipe a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating.
Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite cheese ball appetizer recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.
A wonderful South of the Border version of the classic cheese ball.
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 ounces
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of cayenne
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 jalapeños stems and seeds removed, diced, divided
- 6 pieces cooked bacon about 6 ounces, crumbled, divided
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans roasted
- Crackers for serving
- Mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cilantro, garlic, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, half of the diced jalapeños and half of the crumbled cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasonings and add salt.
- Place the roasted pecans and remaining diced jalapeños and bacon on a plate. Stir together so well mixed. With your hands, roll the cheese mixture into a ball, then place on the plate and roll in the jalapeños, bacon and pecans until covered.
- Chill covered for at least an hour before serving. Serve with crackers.
Cream cheese is so perfect for Holiday Appetizers. Why not try this classic standby and one of the most popular posts on my blog:
Stuffed Celery Appetizer
Jalapeno-Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe …It’s What’s for a Great Pot Luck Appetizer.
- One Year Ago: Osso Buco
Karen Harris says
December 30, 2011 at 7:19 pmOh boy, I know what I’m making for New Year’s day. I have some dried aleppo peppers that I got from Marx Foods some time ago for one of their contests so I’m going to sprinkle them over this. Have a great New Year celebration. Hope to get together with you early in 2012!
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 6:54 amThanks Karen. Happy New Year to you and see you soon.
beti says
December 30, 2011 at 7:57 pmwhat a great idea! it looks incredibly good and perfect for tomorrow
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 6:53 amThanks for stopping by and the comment. I agree, perfect for a party.
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
December 30, 2011 at 9:03 pmLike you I haven’t had a cheese ball in a very long time; it’s funny how things like this seem to go out of favor but for no particular reason. I can see the appeal…no one made a cheese ball back in the day with this measure of heat! I know I would love the combination of cool and creamy cheese combined with the heat of the peppers. YUM!
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 6:53 amI agree Barb. Remember when cheese balls were all the rage. Every once in a while I’ve purchased them over the years, but haven’t made one in a long time. This is a good recipe, you should give it a try.
Joanne says
December 31, 2011 at 4:40 amI haven’t made a cheese ball…EVER. Uh, yeah. Need to change that.
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 6:51 amEVER???? I think it must be your young age. They were popular waaaay back when.
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
December 31, 2011 at 5:13 amYou always find the neatest spices Lea Ann. I’ve never heard of aleppo pepper flakes. Besides a lot of fabulous flavors, they make the cheese ball look so pretty. I didn’t make a cheese ball this year, probably because (come close I’ll whisper ……a diet) it’s hard not to resist eating some before you present it to your guests.
I hadn’t thought of it being a southern thing, but now that you mention it, it probably is. I’ve made or eaten cheese balls all of my life and if you could hear my accent, there would be no doubt that I’m from the south.
Happy new year to you and your family.
Sam
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 6:51 amOh no … not a (whispering) diet!!! 🙂 You must try aleppo pepper flakes Sam. I like their level of heat and flavor.
Larry says
December 31, 2011 at 7:19 amI’ve never met a cheese ball I didn’t like and with the kicked up southwestern flavors, I’m sure I’d love this one – great shot of it as well. Hope you and Bob ring in the new year in fine fashion and I look forward to another year with you.
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 2:33 pmThanks Larry, Happy New Year to you and Bev and look forward to more of your posts also.
dan says
December 31, 2011 at 8:22 amNum. Hopefully you’ll be distributing these as gifts in the near future.
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 2:32 pmWell, if you twist my arm how about served at next Wine Time.
dan says
December 31, 2011 at 6:36 pmYa ! yer cool.
Lea Ann says
January 2, 2012 at 7:23 amHappy New Year to you too Dan. 🙂
Chris says
December 31, 2011 at 9:30 amNormally when I see a cheese ball, I’m like, “Meh” but this one would definitely get my attention. It’s an ABT (smoked stuffed pepper) in ball form, how could I not love it?
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 2:32 pmI certainly loved it. 🙂
Chilebrown says
December 31, 2011 at 10:19 amNow that is what I am talking about. Yummy!
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 2:30 pmHappy New Year ChileB
Heather @girlichef says
December 31, 2011 at 12:48 pmOh yes, I totally wanted to make this one, too. It looks fantastic…wish I could have some. Happy New Year to you and yours, Lea Ann 🙂
Lea Ann says
December 31, 2011 at 2:29 pmYa gotta give it a try Heather. Happy New Year.
Jane says
January 1, 2012 at 9:18 amYour pictures are gorgeous 🙂 Happy New Year! And thanks for the info on the spice shop … I never knew there was one by me! I am definitely going to check that out!
Lea Ann says
January 2, 2012 at 7:22 amHappy New Year Jane. There’s one in downtown Denver also, on Raven street.
Kristi Rimkus says
January 1, 2012 at 9:58 amThis would definitely be a hit in my house. The guys would love it! Have a fantastic day today, and a terrific new year to come!
Lea Ann says
January 2, 2012 at 7:22 amThanks Kristi
Karen says
January 1, 2012 at 5:45 pmSaw bacon, jalapeño, and cheese call out to me on erecipecards and had to come check it out!! Looks absolutely perfect and I love your addition of the Aleppo pepper. This would not last long at my house!
Lea Ann says
January 2, 2012 at 7:21 amThanks for stopping by Karen. It did not last long around here either.
Vickie says
January 1, 2012 at 8:03 pmI MUST make this one – it has all my favorite flavors and you can bet I’ll be on the look out for aleppo pepper flakes. Thanks for the tip on a new way to heat up my dishes. I really like that purdy plate and spreader. It’s no wonder we have so many darned dishes when they photograph so beautifully. 😉
Lea Ann says
January 2, 2012 at 7:21 amI thought you might like this one! It has your name written all over it. I’ve had that plate for several years, think it came from Crate and Barrel.
Velva says
January 1, 2012 at 8:25 pmThis cheese ball would be really nice for entertaining holidays or otherwise. It really brings the traditional cheese ball up a few notches. Very nice.
Happy New Year to you.
Velva
Lea Ann says
January 2, 2012 at 7:20 amThank you Velva. I really can’t wait to make it again. It’s a great crowd pleaser.
Susan says
January 2, 2012 at 12:29 pmI haven’t made a cheese ball in ages either but this is a recipe that makes me want to make one again. Love the spices and peppers and the bacon is always a winner. I see the Penzey’s carries aleppo pepper so I’ve added it to my next trip there to buy some!
Lea Ann says
January 2, 2012 at 1:47 pmYes, I’ve also seen it at Penzy’s. Great store. You’re gonna love this one Susan.
Vianney Rodriguez says
January 5, 2012 at 10:16 pmMy mom used to make a cheese ball every new year’s eve .. we loved them!! It has be awhile since she has made one, thanks for the lovely reminder!
Lea Ann says
January 6, 2012 at 5:58 amAnd this kicked up version is really good.
Karen says
January 6, 2012 at 4:49 pmOh gosh, this does look good. Love anything with jalapenos in it. Beautiful plate and cheese knife, too!
Lea Ann says
January 7, 2012 at 9:39 amYou’ve got to give it a try Karen.
Lea Ann says
January 7, 2012 at 9:40 amThank you Barbara
cheffresco says
January 15, 2012 at 7:47 pmYum! Bacon and cheese – perfect holiday app combo!
Luva Childe says
March 28, 2012 at 12:38 pmThis looks and sounds soooo yummy! I need to take an appetizer to a wine tasting party this weekend. Both red and white will be tasted. Will this recipe work??
Lea Ann says
March 29, 2012 at 5:56 amIf you’re talking about the bites, yes, it would work great. Just preassemble on a baking sheet at home, cover with plastic wrap and then bake when you arrive at the party.